TL;DR
Office breakout areas aren’t just a modern office trend—they’re a strategic investment. This post explores how breakout spaces improve collaboration, support wellbeing, enhance productivity, and make better use of office space that would otherwise go underused.
Breakout areas have become more common in modern offices—but not everyone sees their full value.
We’ve heard it before. “Do we really need a breakout space?” or “Won’t people just use it to mess around?” The truth is, a well-designed breakout area does more than offer somewhere to eat lunch. It’s a space that can transform the way your people work, rest, and connect.
Here’s why we think they’re essential—not optional.
1. They Support Better Focus (Yes, Really)
When people have a proper space to take a break, they return to their desks more focused.
Constant stimulation—especially in open-plan offices—can lead to noise fatigue, distraction and burnout. A breakout zone gives people a physical and mental boundary between “on” and “off”.
Even five minutes away from the desk can reset energy levels. It’s not about slacking off. It’s about improving what happens after the break.
2. They Encourage Healthy Interaction
Not every chat needs a meeting room.
Breakout areas encourage quick, natural conversations that help solve problems, spark ideas, or simply build team connection. These small moments of interaction often get lost in rigid office layouts.
By giving people a neutral, relaxed space to talk, you’re nurturing the informal collaboration that drives bigger outcomes.
3. They Help You Maximise Your Square Footage
Dead corners. Oversized hallways. Awkward leftover zones.
Almost every office has underused space—and breakout areas are the perfect way to give them purpose. Instead of cramming in more desks or letting the space go to waste, turn it into something people actually use.
We’ve transformed all sorts of odd spaces into beautiful, useful zones—from stairwell landings to alcoves to ex-storage cupboards.
4. They Contribute to Wellbeing
Offices should support more than just productivity. They should support the people doing the work.
Breakout areas help reduce stress, give people control over how and where they work, and encourage movement across the day. Combined with thoughtful design, these spaces can genuinely boost morale and engagement.
5. They Help Attract (and Retain) Talent
In a competitive market, the way your office feels matters.
When candidates walk in and see that your space is human, functional and inviting—it sends a powerful message. It shows you’ve thought about the employee experience. That you understand work isn’t just task after task. It’s a rhythm.
Breakout areas are a tangible way to show you value your team.
Designing a Breakout Area That Actually Gets Used
Not every sofa and coffee table combo will cut it. A breakout space should be:
- Easy to access without interrupting focused zones
- Designed with comfort and purpose in mind
- Equipped with power, lighting and good acoustics
- Visually distinct but still part of the office flow
Whether you want something open and social, or tucked away and calm—we can help make it work for your culture.
Need Ideas? We’ve Got Loads
At WOWVI Spaces, we design breakout areas with personality. We look at how your team works and how your office moves—then create something that feels natural, useful and well used.
If you’re not sure where to put it, how to design it, or what budget you’ll need—we’re happy to help.
Call us or send an email via our contact page and let’s create a breakout space that brings real value to your workplace.
